West Nile virus found in 3 crows

6/26/2002

Three dead crows found in Toledo in the last month have tested positive for the mosquito-borne disease West Nile virus, local health officials said yesterday.

The discovery of dead crows with the virus is expected.

Last year, 12 dead birds from Lucas County tested positive for the disease, and the virus has been found in dead birds in 15 other counties.

West Nile virus is rarely fatal in humans; 99 percent of those bitten by an infected mosquito never develop symptoms. The disease showed up for the first time in Ohio last year after showing up in New York in 1999. Health officials are trying to educate the public about the disease. Symptoms of infection include fever and/or headache.

Two dead crows found in the 4000 block of Bellevue Road were submitted for testing June 10, and tested positive. A crow found in the 2200 block of Byrneway Avenue was submitted for testing June 11 and tested positive.

Residents of Lucas County can call the Toledo-Lucas County health department at 419-213-4100, ext. 3, for an informational pamphlet on West Nile virus or to report dead crows or blue jays.

Only dead crows and blue jays are being investigated.

Residents of other counties with questions about West Nile virus should call their local health department to see if it is collecting dead crows or blue jays for testing, or providing information.